Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Musharrafani has opted out of the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to sign with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to pursue a lucrative stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Musharrafani was originally slated to play for Islamabad United in the 2026 PSL. However, the franchise has been informed of his decision to quit after KKR officially confirmed his signing on Friday.
The 29-year-old Zimbabwean fills the void in the Knight Riders squad created by the departure of Bangladeshi left-arm fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had in December directed KKR to release Mustafizur, who was bought for Rs 9.2 crore (about US$1.02 million) in the IPL auction.
Two days before the start of the IPL season, Mustafizur was signed by Lahore Qalandars for the PSL, which is scheduled to begin on March 26.
Musharrafani, a former PSL title winner with Multan Sultans, went unsold in the initial PSL auction on February 11.
However, Islamabad United later signed the services of West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph outright after parting ways.
This marks the second year in a row that a player who was initially signed with a PSL franchise has opted to join an IPL team, with both competitions running simultaneously.
Last season, South Africa all-rounder Corbin Bosch was picked as the diamond pick by Peshawar Zalmi, but later joined Mumbai Indians as an injury replacement.
Bosch’s withdrawal from the PSL led to the league imposing a one-season ban on him. It remains to be seen whether the PSL will take similar disciplinary action against Musharrafani.
Musharrafani came to KKR on the back of his impressive performance in the T20 World Cup. He was instrumental in Zimbabwe topping their group and advancing to the Super Eight round.
The tall pacer took 13 wickets in six matches, finishing one wicket short of the tournament’s joint-leading wicket-taker.
His impressive feat included a four-wicket haul in Zimbabwe’s emphatic win over Australia in the group stage.
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